Seven-times Central District premiership coach Roy Laird bows out a legend
Roy Laird’s final game at the helm of Central District ended in a loss to Port Adelaide but the seven-times premiership coach ends his reign as a great.
- Reluctant legend leaves an indelible mark
- The Roy you don't know
- Gowans brothers praise ‘greatest’ coach and mate Roy
As the minutes of Roy Laird’s final game in charge of Central District ticked down, the seven-times SANFL premiership coach slowly made his way down to the change rooms.
True to his humble nature, the Bulldogs legend bowed out without a guard of honour and without any real fuss at Elizabeth Oval.
Instead, he enjoyed a minute by himself to reflect before players, club officials and even some supporters joined him for a chat and a beer as he closed the door on 17 years at the helm.
Laird’s tenure ended on a sour note — a 90-point loss to Port Adelaide.
But the man who is one of the SANFL’s most successful coaches will be remembered for so much more than the last result — evident by the standing ovation he received from the 3000 Bulldogs fans and even from the small contingent of Magpies supporters
Laird did not see the fans stand and clap.
But he heard it.
He also heard the big “Central” chant sound loudly throughout the oval.
And there’s no doubt Laird will remain a true Bulldogs man despite relinquishing the top job. “I wasn’t up there (in the coach’s box) … I was in the rooms when the final siren went,” Laird said.
“It was difficult.
“My boys had a go, which they’ve always done for me.
“As I said to the players, all I’ve done is give a passionate contribution.
“But when one page closes, another opens and that’s going to need to be my view pretty quick.
“I’ll get on with family and with some new adventures but always with a strong attachment to this footy club.
“It’s been my life for a long time and I’ve done the full cycle now so I’ll go back to being a supporter.”
The Bulldogs, led by Travis Schiller (29 touches, five clearances) and Jarrod Schiller (24 disposals, nine clearances) had a red-hot crack against the Magpies and showed plenty of grit with their attack on the ball and the body.
But Port had too much class with its Power-listed players, including Billy Frampton (seven majors), Tobin Cox (five goals) Sam Mayes and Jack Trengove (34 possessions apiece), proving too much for the hosts to handle.
“In many ways our SANFL season finished last week in playing Norwood,” Laird said.
“Today we played Port Power reserves.
“That’s been the progress of this competition which I think is sad.”
Port, meanwhile, heads into a qualifying final against Adelaide next Saturday night in strong form, pleasing coach Matthew Lokan.
“I thought we had dominance in the midfield and then we were probably too strong in the air for Central,” Lokan said.
“It was one of those days where everything went right for us.”
Stream over 50 sports live & anytime on your TV or favourite device with KAYO SPORTS. The biggest Aussie sports and the best from overseas. Just $25/month. No lock-in contract. Get your 14 day free trial >
SCOREBOARD
PORT ADELAIDE 5.1 10.8 13.12 22.17 (149)
CENTRAL DISTRICT 2.7 3.8 6.11 8.11 (59)
BEST — Port: Mayes, Cox, Frampton, Trengove, Butters. Central: T Schiller, J Schiller, J Neagle, Habel, Jenner.
GOALS — Port: Frampton 7, Cox, 5, Farrell 2, Ladhams, Butters, Johnson, Hayes, Howard, Mayes, Sutcliffe, Trengove. Central: J Neagle 4, J Schiller, Gillard, Shaw, Fort.
UMPIRES: Broadbent, Harris, Sobieraj.
INJURIES — Port: Ladhams (concussion)